The difference between this town and the city of New-York relative to the water rights of the former, has deservedly excited the attention and interest of our inhabitants, as involving property to a great amount, and unjustly withholding from our town a revenue which would enable it to improve with almost unparalleled rapidity. In order that each person so interested may form a correct opinion of the subject matter in dispute, the Compiler has thought proper, under this head, to lay before them the foundations of the claims on both sides of the question. October 18, 1667. In the reign of Charles 2d. Richard Nicolls, Esq. Governor General of the Province of New-York, under his Royal Highness James, the Duke of York, &c. afterwards James 2d. of England, granted to the inhabitants of this town a confirmatory patent, acknowledging that they were rightfully, legally and by authority in possession of the property and privileges they then enjoyed. The patent after naming the patentees, and describing the bounds of the town, and binding by the _River_ and not by high water mark, proceeds to say, “Together with all _havens_, _harbors_, creeks, marshes, _waters_, _rivers_, lakes, fisheries.” “Moreover, I do hereby give, ratify and confirm unto the said patentees and their associates, their heirs, successors and assigns, all the _rights_ and _privileges_ belonging to a town within this government.” Under this patent the town of Brooklyn justly claims the land between high and low water mark on their shore, in opposition to the claims of the Corporation of the city of New-York; and an equal right with them to erect ferries between the town of Brooklyn and the city of New-York. It does not appear that there was any adverse claim on the part of New-York, until the 27th of April, 1686, _nineteen years_ after the date of the Brooklyn patent, when the Corporation of New-York obtained a charter from Governor Dongan, by which the ferries were granted to them, but not a word mentioned about the land between high and low water mark on the Brooklyn side. From the reading of this charter it appears as if the Governor was doubtful as to his right even to grant the ferry, for it contains an express saving of all the rights of all other persons, bodies politic and corporate, their heirs, successors and assigns, in as ample a manner, as if that charter had not been made. May 13, 1686. The freeholders and inhabitants of Brooklyn somewhat apprehensive of encroachments by New-York, obtained from Governor Dongan, a patent under the seal of the Colony, fully confirming that granted them by Governor Nicolls.